My husband has been on a health kick lately. I love it. He’s really making an effort to cut back on calories, make better food choices and squeezing in exercise throughout the day. He’s taking walks around his building during restroom breaks, and trying to get a two mile walk around the neighborhood in the evenings as well as getting to the gym to hit the elliptical or play basketball with our son on the weekends. It all adds up!

Where to buy ground bison for this recipe?

I have been buying bison meat from Costco regularly, but have seen it at my local grocery store (although in much smaller packages) as well as Fresh Market and Whole Foods.

Healthy Bison Burger Ingredients

I like to keep my burger seasonings pretty simple so that you really enjoy the flavor of the beef you are cooking with.

ground bison

onion powder

garlic powder

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

your favorite barbecue sauce, for basting

The toppings though, that is where you can have fun. I love adding caramelized onions to my burgers and of course cheese!

How To Cook Bison Burgers On The Grill

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground bison with onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Divide meat mixture into 5 even sections and form into patties. When forming, gently press down your thumb in center to help keep it’s shape and avoid turning into a meatball on the grill.

Pre-heat your grill to medium high heat. Place burgers on grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side (for medium well – well done burgers). After first flip, brush cooked side liberally with your favorite barbecue sauce. Once burger is cooked through, quickly flip and brush other side before taking off the grill. Transfer to top rack of grill (or plate) and place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each burger.

For serving: Place each burger with cheese on your hamburger bun. Top with extra barbecue sauce (if desired), caramelized onions and shredded lettuce. Dig in.

Along with the extra exercise, packed lunches and a little extra involvement with meal planning and creating recipes are part of this health kick too. That’s where this burger comes in. I know ground buffalo (bison) has been around for a while, but it’s not something I’ve ever cooked with at home. My husband has enjoyed a healthy bison burger at a local restaurant a few times and asked if we could grill some up at home. Buffalo is a leaner type of ground beef and a great alternative when looking to indulge in a hamburger.

Grilled Barbecue Bison Burger

Description

Try a lean Grilled Barbecue Bison Burger for a healthier alternative to your traditional hamburger – they are juicy and flavorful with less guilt!

Ingredients

1.5 lb ground bison (or buffalo) meat

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

good pinch coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

your favorite barbecue sauce, for basting

For serving:

5 slices of pepper jack cheese

hamburger buns

shredded lettuce

caramelized onions (see this post for instructions on how to caramelize onions)

barbecue sauce

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground bison with onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Divide meat mixture into 5 even sections and form into patties. When forming, gently press down your thumb in center to help keep it’s shape and avoid turning into a meatball on the grill.

Pre-heat your grill to medium high heat. Place burgers on grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side (for medium well – well done burgers). After first flip, brush cooked side liberally with your favorite barbecue sauce. Once burger is cooked through, quickly flip and brush other side before taking off the grill. Transfer to top rack of grill (or plate) and place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each burger.

For serving: Place each burger with cheese on your hamburger bun. Top with extra barbecue sauce (if desired), caramelized onions and shredded lettuce. Dig in.

I love when my hubby goes on a health kick, it happens every-so often and he usually eats tons of salad. I love it! But I always keep an eye on how I cook and I love the idea of cooking bison at home, something I’ve never done either. This burger looks amazing!

Aggies Kitchenposted July 8, 2013 at 9:47 am

We are getting a big salad in with our dinner every night! It’s getting me to be more creative and try new healthier versions of his favorite foods. Getting me out of a cooking rut too 🙂

I love ground bison! I often mix it with ground lean turkey in dishes to make them seem really meaty. This burger sounds delish. And I’m intrigued about the FitBit. I wonder if my husband could get into that!

Aggies Kitchenposted July 8, 2013 at 9:44 am

Do you buy your bison at Publix Christine? I went to Whole Foods to get it, but I don’t see myself making the trip that often. I think I’ve seen it at Publix too!

Yes, at Publix. It’s with the Greenwise meats. It’s kind of pricey but so so so worth it. I also sometimes buy the bison wieners (near the organic lunchmeats). They’re $9 a package, so a total total splurge but possibly the best wieners I’ve ever had.

Aggies Kitchenposted July 8, 2013 at 2:07 pm

Yes! That’s where I’ve seen it. Good to know about the hot dogs – my husband would love those! Thanks!

That’s SO wonderful Aggie!! I love it! Thanks for the shout out. I am still addicted to my Fitbit…which isn’t a bad thing to be addicted too, huh? I wear it all day everyday and love how it’s linked up to My Fitness Pal to upload any calories burned there. I love that my hubby and I can compete with ourselves and a friendly competition with each other. It’s so worth the $50!!

My Fitbit is what got me back out the door with my running I think. If I do a run and a walk every morning then I have no trouble at all hitting my 10,000 steps a day and sometimes more. But if I don’t do it, it’s really hard to meet that goal.

Hope you get yours hooked up soon! We can also “friend” each other through our Fitbit accounts!! It’s so much FUN!

Aggies Kitchenposted July 8, 2013 at 9:43 am

He really loves it Denise! His goal is 10,000 steps too. And the days he gets in the extra workout (2 mile walk or gym) he hits it easily too. I can’t wait to try it. I’m not walking as much b/c of the heat, but I know once baby is here I will be happy to push a stroller on long walks outside!!

Oops forgot to mention that we found out my hubby gets in A LOT of steps at work even though he has a desk job! He’s a “pacer” and frequently comes home with over 8,000 steps on his Fitbit even without doing any exercise.

I’m so happy to see you doing bison! We’ve had it cooked several ways and it is dee-licious! Last time I was at Costco I saw that they are carrying the ground variety so I think I’ll save this recipe and pick some up next time. Thanks Aggie!

Aggies Kitchenposted July 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm

I’ve only had it in burgers! I am so glad you told me that your Costco carries it, I need to look for it there!

I absolutely love ground bison – we used to cook with it all the time a few years ago when we were counting calories. It’s gotten really super expensive around here so it’s a less frequent occurrence, but still just as delicious 🙂 Your burgers have me craving it big time!

Aggies Kitchenposted July 8, 2013 at 1:59 pm

It’s pricey here too, so definitely a treat! We have a couple local places that serve it on the menu which is nice too!

You know it is funny, I love grilling a lot with my hubby. However, I am still not a huge meat eater. BUT if you gave me a bison burger, I would so devour it! Your burger looks and sounds delicious! Hugs, Terra

Bison burgers have become one of my favorites, too. Those caramelized onions are the perfect topping… this looks delicious! Thanks for sharing my Bison chili

Paulposted April 13, 2018 at 2:51 pm

Love grilled bison, best of both worlds, somewhat healthier than a burger but the same mouth watering taste, if not better. I have one caveat to add, buffalo meat dries out very quickly and 6-7 minutes on med. high heat, might be a bit long, just take your time.